Sorting and orienting



y 15, 1958 G. L. VAUGHAN 2,843,254

SORTING AND ORIENTING Filed July 29, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet l IENT OR G ERALD 'L.VAUGHAN.

BY KBLL. hffiflm ATTORNEY July 15, 1958 VAUGHAN 2,843,254

SORTING AND ORIENTING Filed July 29, 1957 5 Sheets-$heet 2 Y2 2- 16 .P 14 8 1o l I P 1mm x Z 1 l4 14 P NVENTOR GERALD L.VAUGHAN.

BY xqmkw- FLoucs ATTORNEY July 15, 1958 Filed July 29, 1957 G. L. VAUGHAN SORTING AND ORIENTING 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 BY L w. LQ FFCOC INVENTOR ATTORNEY July 15, 1958 G. L. VAUGHAN 2,343,254

' SORTING AND ORIENTING Filed July 29, 1957 I 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR BY Many (.Q- mcKs ATTORNEY G. L. VAUGHAN" SORTING AND ORIENTING July 15," 19 58 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 29, 1957 I 1 5.1g C lfj f United States PatentO SORTING AND ORIENTING Gerald L. Vaughan, Rumford, Maine, assignor to Diamond Gardner Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application July 29, 1957, Serial No. 674,893

25 Claims. (Cl. 198-33) This invention relates to apparatus for and method of sorting and orienting slotted end articles such as onepiece wooden kerf type clothespins, and more particularly to an apparatus for and method of sorting randomly oriented one-piece wooden kerf type clothespins or the like so that a plurality of the clothespins have their corresponding ends pointing in the same direction and their slots or kerfs all lying in the same plane.

This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application Serial No. 633,343 by Gerald L. Vaughan, entitled Sorting and Orienting, filed January 9, 1957.

In the packaging of clothespins after the completion of all of the manufacturing steps in making the clothespins, it is desirable and necessary that the clothespins have their head and kerf ends uniformly oriented, with the head ends of a plurality ofthe pins all pointing in the same direction, and the kerf ends of the pins all pointing in the opposite direction. It is also important in connection with the packaging operation, and also from the standpoint ofthe appearance of the pins when packaged, that. the slots of all of the pins be in a horizontal plane.

The last step in the manufacture of clothespins is usually the polishing operation in which a mass of the pins is placed in a tumbler and polished by the frictional engagement of the pins with each other produced by move ment of the tumbler. The polished pins are discharged from the tumbler with their longitudinal axes in substantially parallel relation to each other but with the head and kerf ends of the pins in random orientation, the head and kerf ends sometimes being pointed in one direction and sometimes in the opposite direction. Also, the pins are discharged from the tumbler with their slots randomly oriented in various planes from the horizontal to the vertical. Prior to the packaging operation, it is therefore necessary that the pins be oriented with their longitudinal axes remaining parallel but with their corresponding ends pointing in the same direction, and with their slots all lying in a horizontal plane.

Accordingly, it is an object-of this invention to provide an apparatus for orienting slotted end objects such as clothespins into groups in which corresponding ends of all the pins in a given group are pointed in the same direction.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an apparatus which rapidly and economically sorts randomly oriented kerf type clothespins or the like into groups in which the correspondingends of all pins point in the same direction and in which the slots of all clothespins lie in a horizontal plane.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented slotted end articles into groups in which; corresponding ends all point in'the same direction and in which the slots all lie in a horizontal plane.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for orienting slotted end objects such as clothespins including a means for engaging the slottedend objects which is so contoured as to insure that the slots of the objects being engaged all lie. in. a horizontal plane. 1

In achievementof these objects, there is provided in accordance with an embodiment of this invention, a clothespin orienting and sorting apparatus including .a pair of circular members, such as discs, which rotate in a horizontal plane about spaced vertical axes. Each disc member isprovided at its outer periphery with a plurality of wedge elements, the wedge elements of each respective disc member rotating inspaced relation to the wedge elements of the other disc member in the path of clothespins which are to be sorted. The clothespins are moved between the rotating wedge elements of the two discs by a conveyor, the wedge elements of each disc engaging in wedging relation the kerfs or slots of the clothespins whose kerf ends are pointed in the direction of the respective disc. The wedge elements of one .disc engage all of the clothespins whose kerf ends are pointing in one direction while the wedge elements of the other disc engage the kerf ends ofall of the clothespins pointing in the other direction. Thus, the kerf end of each clothespin is engaged by a wedge element of one or theother of the two discs, The wedge elements are also so'shaped as to rotate any clothespins whose slots are not in a horizontal plane into a position in which the slot of each pin is in a horizontal plane. After being engaged by one 101' the other of the discs, the clothespins are moved by the disc into engagement with a blade-like collector member disposed in the path of movement of pins carried by each disc.

Other objects and the nature and advantages of the instant invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a clothespin orienting and sorting machine in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front elevational view, partially in section, of the clothespin orienting and sorting machine;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the clothespin orienting and sorting machine;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view in section along line *4--4 of Fig. 1 showing the engagement of a wedge element with a clothespin;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a conveyor pocket or trough which receives a clothespin;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a clothespin being engaged by one of the wedge elements, with the slot of the clothespin lying in a vertical plane;

Figs. 7 (a)7(e) are a series of cross sectional views taken along the line 7-7 of Fig. 6 showing successive positions occupied by the clothespin of Fig. 6 inlbeing turned from a position in which the slot of the pin is in a vertical plane .to a position in which the slot is in-a horizontal plane;

Fig. 8 is a front elevational view of a clothespin orienting and sorting machine on which are mounted wedge elements of a modified form having a contour different than that of the wedge elements of the embodiment of Figs. 1-7;

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the orienting and sorting machine of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the engagement of the modified wedge element with a clothespin;

Figs. l1'(a)ll(c), inclusive, are a series of partially diagrammatic views and with a wedge element being shown in end elevation, showing successive positions occupied by the clothespin of Fig. 10 being turned from a position in which the slot of the pin is in a vertical clothespin plane to a position'in which the slot is in a horizontal plane;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view, partially schematic, of the clothespin orienting andsorting machine of Figs. 8 and 9;

' Fig. l3is a.view in vertical section taken substantially along line 13-13 of Fig. 14 showing the engagement of the wedge elements of both discs with a clothespin; and

' Fig. 14 is an enlarged detail view showing the engagement of the wedge elements of both discs with a plurality of clothespins carried by the conveyor.

Referring now to the drawings, the clothespin orienting and sorting machine includes a pair of discs, each generally indicated at 10 and 12, respectively. Each of the discs 10 and 12 is provided at its outer periphery with "a plurality of circumferentially spaced wedge elements -14 and 16, respectively. As best seen in the enlarged view of 'Fig. 6, the thickness of each wedge element ly inner to the radially outer end of the wedge element.

The radially outer end of the wedge element has its surfaces rounded, as indicated at 15, for a distance substantially equal to the length of the tapered neck portion 17 of the clothespin (Fig. 6) P.

As best seen in the View of Fig. 2, discs 10 and 12 are provided with central hubs which are rigidly attached to the upper ends of shafts 18 and 20, respectively, these shafts being supported for rotation by hearing brackets 22 and 24, respectively. Each of the shafts 18 and carries at its lower end a bevel gear 2-6 and 28, respectively, which are respectively driven by bevel gears and 32. Gears 30 and 32 are rigidly attached to a horizontal drive shaft 34 supported at its opposite ends by bearings .36 and 38. Shaft 34 is driven from any suitable power source connected in driving engagement with a gear 40 carried by shaft 34. Alternatively, a pulley may be substituted for gear 40 to permit a belt drive of shaft 34.

In order to move the clothespins which are to be sorted into the path of the wedge elements carried by discs 10 and 12, a conveyor generally indicated at 42 is provided. Conveyor 42 includes a suitable moving support such as a conveyor belt 44 and a plurality of upwardly open trough-like members 46 positioned in side-by-side relation to each other on the outer surface of the conveyor belt 44. Trough members 46 are arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of conveyor belt 44. Trough members 46 have a contour which is adapted to receive a kerf type clothespin, each trough being of generally semi-circular arcuate shape in transverse cross section and being open at each of its opposite ends to permit free movement of the clothespin out of the trough when the clothespin is engaged by a wedge element 14 or 16.

Conveyor 42 extends in a horizontal plane beyond the line connecting the axes of rotation of discs 10 and 12 and at a height such that the slots of the clothespins supported by the conveyor are substantially in a common plane with the wedge elements 14 and 16 of discs 10 and 12. The conveyor extends around a pair of oppositely disposed pulley members or the like 48 and 50 supported by bearings 52 and 54, respectively. Conveyor 42 is driven in properly timed relation to the movement of the rotating discs 10 and 12 in such manner that trough elements 46 are advanced at the same linear speed as rotating wedge elements 14 and 16.

The clothespins P which are to be sorted are delivered to the advancing troughs 46 of the constantly rotating be the discharge outlet of the clothespin polishing tumbler hereinbefore referred to. The dispensing means disconveyor 42 by a dispensing means not shown which may 4 charges the clothespins into the troughs 46 adjacent the end of conveyor 42 which is farthest from discs 10 and 12. When the clothespins are discharged into troughs 46, the head and kerf ends of the pins are randomly oriented although'the longitudinal axes-of the pins are in parallel relation to each other. Also, the clothespins are randomly oriented with respect to the plane in which their respective slots lie, some of the clothespins lying with the slots in a vertical plane, as in Fig. 6, some with the slots in a horizontal plane, and some with the slots in planes intermediate the horizontal and vertical planes.

in order that the clothespins be engaged by the bladelike collector members to be described, it is necessary that the slots of the clothespins be oriented in a horizontal plane when they arrive at the collector members. The clothespins are automatically oriented with their respective slots in a horizontal plane, regardless of the original orientation of the slot, by the engagement of the wedge element 14 or 16 with the pin, as best seen in the views of Figs. 6 and 7, in which wedge elements 14 are shown by way of example.

When a clothespin arrives at the region between the rotating discs 10 and 12, it is initially engaged by a wedge 14, assuming that the kerf end of the pin is directed toward disc 10, even though the slot is in a vertical plane, due to the circular path of approach followed by the wedge elements. Assuming that the clothespin slot is in a vertical plane, as shown in Fig. 6, the tapered end portion 15 of wedge 14 enters tapered neck portion 17 of the clothespin. The dimension of the tapered end of wedge 14 is so related to the dimension of the tapered end slot portion 17 of the clothespin that a wedging action occurs between wedge 14 and slot portion 17 at some point which prevents further entry of wedge 14 into the slot while the slot is in a vertical plane or in any pane other than a horizontal plane. With end portion 15 of wedge 14 in wedged engagement with tapered portion 17 of the clothespin slot, as shown in Fig. 6, the wedge element 16 of the opposite disc 12 engages the head-end of the pin and causes the tapered end portion 17 of pin P to rotate about the rounded surface of end portion 15 of wedge element 14, the pin passing through the successive positions shown in Figs. 7(a).7(e) until it finally assumes the position shown in Fig. 7(2), in which the slot of the clothespin lies in a horizontal plane. With the slot in a horizontal plane, the wedge element 14 enters the untapered portion 19 of the slot for a substantial distance until a wedging action is obtained between the wedge element and the slot. The rotating action of the wedge elements on the clothespin has been illustrated and described with the slot initially in a vertical plane. However, the same action occurs if the slot is in any intermediate plane between the vertical and horizontal.

In order to prevent upward displacement of pins lying in troughs 46, a pair of hold-down bars or guides 57 (Fig. 1) is mounted above the path of moving conveyor 42 at a height a slight distance above the upper surfaces of the clothespins carried by the conveyor, guides 57 extending above the conveyor from adjacent the point where the pins are dispensed to the troughs to a point closely adjacent discs 10 and 12.

A pair of blade-like collector members 58 and 60 are positioned in a horizontal plane in the path of the clothespins carried by the respective discs 10 and 12 in such manner as to engage the kerfs of the pins carried by the discs and remove the pins from the respective discs. The pins intercepted by collector members 58 and 60 are subsequently delivered to a suitable packaging or wrapping apparatus. Collector members 58 and 60 extend for a portion of their length in an arcuate path having its radius drawn from the same center as the respective disc 10 or 12'to which it is adjacent. At the end of the arcuate portions, the respective collector members then extend in a straight line away from the periphery of the disc members to which they are adjacent.

There is shown in Figs. 8-14, inclusive, a clothespin orienting and sorting apparatus in accordance with a modified embodiment of the invention. The apparatus is generally similar to that described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 1-7 and differs principally in the shape of the wedge elements which engage the slotted end objects such as clothespins and also in the collector members which engage the clothespins and remove them from the rotating discs.

The embodiment of Figs. 8-14, includes a pair of discs 110 and 112, respectively, each of the discs 110 and 112 being provided at its outer periphery with a plurality of circumferentially spaced wedge elements 114 and 116, respectively. Each of the wedge elements tapers outwardly substantially to a point and has its leading and trailing edges contoured in a preferred manner which will be described more fully hereinafter to facilitate the rotation of the clothespins about their respective longitudinal axes so that the clothespins all lie with their slots in a horizontal plane.

As best seen in the view of Fig. 8, discs 110 and 112 are provided with central hubs which are rigidly attached to the upper ends of shafts 118 and 120, respectively, these shafts being supported for rotation by bearing brackets 122 and 124, respectively. Each of the shafts 118 and 12-1) carries at its lower end a bevel gear 126 and 128, respectively, which are respectively driven by bevel gears 130 and 132. Gears 130 and 132 are rigidly attached to a horizontal drive shaft 134 supported at its opposite ends by bearings 136 and 138. Shaft 134 is driven from any suitable power source connected in driving engagement with a gear 140 carried by shaft 134. Alternatively, a pulley may be substituted for gear 140 to permit a belt drive of shaft 134.

In order to move the clothespins which are to be sorted into the path of the wedge elements carried by discs 110 and 112, a conveyor generally indicated at 142 is provided. Conveyor 142 includes a suitable moving support, such as a conveyor belt 144 and a plurality of upwardly open trough-like members 146 positioned in side-by-side relation to each other on the outer surface of conveyor belt 144. Trough members 146 are arranged with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of conveyor belt 144. Trough members 146 have a contour which is adapted to receive a kerf type clothespin, each trough being of generally semi-circular arcuate shape in transverse cross-section and being open at each of its opposite ends to permit free movement of the clothespin out of the trough when the clothespin is engaged by a wedge element 114 or 116. The conveyor extends around a pair of oppositely disposed pulley members 148 and 150 carried by bearing supports 152 and 154, respectively. Conveyor 142 is driven in properly timed relation to the movement of the rotating discs 111) and 112 in such manner that trough elements 146 are advanced at the same linear speed as rotating wedge elements 114 and 116.

Each of the wedge elements 114 and 116 is contoured in such manner as to engage the kerf ends of the clothespins in wedging relation and also in such manner as to serve as a cam means which rotates any clothespins whose kerf or slot ends are other than horizontally arranged into a position in which the slot or kerf lies in a horizontal plane.

Wedge element 114 will be described as typical of the wedge elements carried by both discs 110 and 112. As best seen in the views of Figs. 10, 11, 13 and 14, each of the wedge elements 114 includes a shank portion 156 suitably fastened at its radially inner end to the outer periphery of disc 110 and having relatively Wide flat horizontal top and bottom surfaces 158 and 160, respectively, joined by oppositely disposed vertical side edges. Each of the wedge elements is provided with a tapered outer end which terminates in substantially a point. In order to rotate the clothespins from a position in which their slots are not in a horizontal plane to one in which the slots are in a horizontal plane, the leading edge of each wedge element with respect to the direction of rotation of discs and 112 is defined at the tapered end of. the wedge by a wide (in a direction circumferentially of the discs) rounded bevel 162 along the under face of the wedge and extending with a slightly spiralling surface from the outer tip of the wedge to merge with the underneath flat surface of the wedge and to merge at its radially inner portion with the leading vertical side edge of the wedge. The upper face of the wedge also includes a narrow (in a direction circumferentially of the discs) rounded bevel 164 extending along the upper surface on the leading edge of the wedge element from the outer tip of the wedge to a point of merger with upper flat surfaces 158. Similarly, the trailing edge of each wedge element with respect to the direction of rotation of discs 110 and 112 is defined by a wide rounded bevel 166 along the upper face of the wedge and extending with a slightly spiralling surface from the outer tip of the wedge to merge with the upper flat surface of the wedge and to merge at its radially inner end with the vertical side edge of the wedge on the trailing side thereof. The underneath face of the wedge also includes a narrow rounded bevel similar to bevel 164 on the upper surface and extending along the underneath surface at the trailing edge thereof from the outer tip of the wedge to a point of merger with lower fiat horizontal surface 160.

By contouring the leading and trailing edges of each wedge element in the manner just described, any clothespin whose kerf end is not in a horizontal plane is rotated into a horizontal plane, as best seen in the views of Figs. 10 and 11(a)-l1(c), inclusive. The diverging walls of the tapered slot portion at the outer end of the clothespin are cammed by the wedge element 114 or 116 to cause the walls of the tapered slot portion of the clothespin to slide along the rounded beveled surfaces of the leading and trailing edges of the wedge until the slot of the clothespin lies in a horizontal plane. The rotary motion of the clothespin about its longitudinal axis as just described is assisted by the pushing action on the head of the clothespin by the wedge element on the opposite disc, as described in the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, inclusive.

Since disc 110 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction and disc 112 rotates in a clockwise direction with respect to the views shown in the drawings, the leading and trailing edges of the wedges carried by one of the discs are reversed from those of the wedges carried by the other disc. Consequently, separate wedges must be made for each disc, and the wedges of one disc are not interchangeable with those carried by the opposite disc.

A pair of blade-like collector members 170 and 172 are respectively positioned in a horizontal plane in the path of the clothespins carried by the respective discs 110 and 112 in such manner as to engage the kerfs of the pins carried by the discs and remove the pins from the discs. Each of the respective blade-like collector members 170 and 172 includes an edge portion 174 and 176, respectively, which is tangential to the .arcuate path described by the ends of the elongated slots 178 of the clothespins P carried by the wedges 114 and 116. Each collector member 170 and 172 terminates at its inner end in a narrow substantially pointed portion 182, 184, respectively, adapted to engage the slots of the clothespins adjacent the ends 180 thereof.

After the clothespins have been engaged. in wedging relation by the respective wedges 114 and 116, they are carried into the path of the blade-like collector members 170 and 172 and the ends 182, 184 of the collector members enter the slots and engage the clothespins P, the wedges then moving out of engagement with the blade-like collector members.

Summary of operation In the operation of the clothespin orienting and sorting apparatus hereinbefore described, the pins are dispensed to the forwardly moving troughs 46 of conveyor 42 by a suitable dispensing means which may be asso- 'ciated with the polishing tumbler in which the clothespins are polished as a final step in the manufacturing operation. The clothespins are positioned in troughs 46 with their longitudinal axes in parallel relation to each other but with their head and kerf ends randomly oriented and with their slots positioned in random planes.

The pins are carried forwardly by conveyor 42 until the pins are engaged by the rotating wedge elements 14 and 16 of disc members and 12. Pins which are oriented in such manner that their slot or kerf ends are directed toward" disc 10 have their kerf ends engaged in wedging relation by the wedge elements 14 of disc 10.

'Each pin whose kerf end is engaged in wedging relation by a wedge element of disc 10 is also engaged at its head end by a wedge element 16 of disc 12 in such manner that the pin is moved lengthwise of the trough 46 in which it is positioned to assist the movement of the kerf end into wedging engagement with the wedge element of, disc 10. Similarly, each pin whose kerf end is directed toward disc 12 has its kerf end engaged by a wedge element 16 of disc 12, and has its head end engaged by a wedge element 14 of disc 10 to assist in moving the kerf end into wedging engagement with the wedge element of disc 12.

Each pin has its kerf end engaged in wedging engagement by a wedge element of one or the other of 'the discs 10 and 12 in the manner just described, while a wedge element of the opposite disc engages the head of the given pin to assist in moving the pin radially into the wedging engagement just described.

Any pins whose slots are not in a horizontal plane are rotated about their respective longitudinal axes until the slot lies in a horizontal plane. This rotation is produced by the pushing action on the head of the clothespin by the wedge element adjacent the head end, which causes the tapered end portion 19 of the clothespin to rotate about the rounded end portion of the wedge element engaging the kerf end of the clothespin.

Each clothespin after being engaged in wedging relation by the wedge element of one or the other of the discs 10 and 12 is carried by the respective disc for a few degrees of rotation until the pin is engaged by one of the flat blade-like members 58 and 60 disposed in the path of rotation of the pins. The blade-like member 58 or 60 engages the kerf or slot of the pin, and the disc member continues to rotate, leaving the pin engaged by the member 58 or 60. Clothespins which are collected by members 58 and 69 are subsequently transmitted to a suitable packaging or wrapping apparatus.

In the operation of the clothespin orienting and sorting apparatus of Figs. 814, inclusive, the pins are dispensed to the forwardly moving troughs 146 of conveyor 142 by a suitable dispensing means which may be associated with the polishing tumbler. The clothespins are positioned in troughs 146 with their longitudinal axes in parallel relation to each other but with their head and kerf ends randomly oriented, and with their slots positioned in random planes. The pins are carried forwardly by conveyor 142 until the pins are engaged by the rotating wedge elements 114 of disc members 110 and 112. Pins which are oriented in such manner that their slot or kerf ends are directed toward disc '110 have their kerf ends engaged in wedging relation by the wedge elements 114 of disc 110. Each pin whose kerf end is engaged in wedging relation by a wedge element of disc 110 is also engaged at its head end by aflwedge element 116 of disp 112 .in such manner that 8 the pin is moved lengthwise of the trough 146 in which it is positioned to assist the movement of the kerf end 'into wedging relation with the wedge element of disc 110. Similarly, each pin whose kerf end is directed toward disc 112 has its head end engaged by a wedge element 114 of disc 110 to assist in moving the kerf end into wedging engagement with the Wedge element of disc 112. Each pin has its kerf end engaged in wedging engagement by a wedge element of one or the other of the discs 110 and 112 in the manner just described, while a wedge element of the opposite disc engages the head of the given pin to assist in moving the pin radially into the wedging engagement just described.

Any pins whose slots are not in a horizontal plane are rotated about their respective longitudinal axes until the slot lies in a horizontal plane. This rotation is produced by the engagement of the leading edge 162 of a wedge member on one disc with the kerf end of the clothespin, combined with the pushing action on the head of the clothespin by the wedge element adjacent the head of the clothespin, to cause the'tapered end surfaces of the kerf of the clothespin to rotate about the leading and trailing beveled and tapered surfaces 162 and 166 of the wedge element engaging the kerf end of the clothespin.

Each clothespin after being engaged in wedging relation by the Wedge element of one or the other of the discs 110 and 112 is carried by the respective disc for a few degrees of rotation until the pin is engaged by one of the flat blade-like collector members 170 or 172 disposed in the path of rotation of the pin. The bladelike member 170 or 172 engages the kerf or slot of the pin adjacent the end 180 thereof, the disc member continuing to rotate and leaving the pin engaged by the blade-like collector member 170 or 172. Clothespins which are collected by members 170 and 172 are subsequently transmitted to a suitable packaging or wrapping apparatus.

It can be seen from the foregoing that there is provided in accordance with this invention a sorting and orienting apparatus and method which are particularly useful for sorting and orienting one-piece kerf type clothespins so that a given end of a plurality of pins is pointed in the same direction, and so that the slots of the clothespins all lie in a horizontal plane. While the apparatus and method have been described in connection with the orientation and sorting of clothespins, it is obvious that they could be used for other articles having a slotted end which could be engaged by wedge elements of the type hereinbefore described.

The clothespin sorting apparatus hereinbefore described is intended for use as a component of a high speed automatic clothespin manufacturing, sorting, counting and assembling apparatus. The apparatus also includes a high speed continuously operating machine for contouring and kerfing the clothespin. In order to utilize to the best advantage the high speed production facilities of the contouring and kerfing machine, it is important that the related sorting and assembling apparatus also be capable of high speed production. The sorting apparatus of the present application fulfills this requirement.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for sorting articles having slotted ends which are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of slot-engaging members mounted for movement in a common plane in spaced relation to each other, and means for moving slotted-end articles to be sorted between said members with theslotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward one or the other of said members, whereby the slotted end of each article is engaged by one or the other of said members.

2. An apparatus for sorting articles having slotted ends which are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members mounted for rotation in a common plane, each of said members having slot-engaging means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the slot-engaging means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the slot-engaging means of the other member, and means for moving slotted-end articles between said members with the slotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward the slot-engaging means of one or the other of said members, whereby the slotted end of each article is engagedby the slot-engaging means of one of said members.

3. An apparatus for sorting articles having slotted ends which are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members mounted for rotation in a common plane, each of said members having slot-engaging means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the slot-engaging means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the slot-engaging means of the other member, means for moving slotted-end articles between said members with the slotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward the slot-engaging means of one or the other of said members whereby the slotted end of each article is engaged by the slot-engaging means of one of said members, and means disposed adjacent the path of rotation of said members for intercepting articles engaged by the slot-engaging means of said members and removing the articles from said slot-engaging means.

4. An apparatus for sorting articles of the type having a slotted end and an oppositely disposed unslotted end into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members mounted for rotation in a common plane, each of said members having slot-engaging means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the slot-engaging means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the slot-engaging means of the other member by a distance less than the distance between the slotted and unslotted end of the articles being sorted, and means for moving the articles between said members with the slotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward the slotengaging means of one or the other of said members, whereby the slotted end of a given article is engaged by the slot-engaging means of one of said members,jand whereby the unslotted end of the given article is engaged by the slot-engaging means of the other of said members to assist in moving the slotted end of said article into engagement with the slot-engaging means of said one member.

5. An apparatus for sorting kerf-type clothespins whose corresponding ends are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members rotating in a common plane, each of saidmembers having kerf-engaging means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the kerf-engaging means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the kerf-engaging means of the other member, and means for moving clothespins between said members with the kerf ends of the clothespins randomly directed toward the kerf-engaging means of one orthe other of said members whereby the kerf end of each clothespin is engaged by the kerf-engaging'means of one of ,said members.

6. An apparatus for sorting kerf-type clothespins whose corresponding ends are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members rotating in a common plane, each of members, and means disposed adjacent the path of rotation of said members for intercepting clothespins engaged by said kerf-engaging means and removing the clothespins from said kerf-engaging means.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6, in which said means disposed adjacent the path of rotation of said members is a blade-like means which engages the kerf ends of clothespins carried by the kerf-engaging means of said members.

8. An apparatus for sorting kerf-type clothespins whose corresponding ends are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members rotating in a common plane, each of said members having 'kerf-engaging means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the kerf-engaging means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the kerf-engaging means of the other member, means for moving clothespins between said members with the kerf ends of the clothespins randomly directed toward the kerf-engaging means of one or the other of said members whereby the kerf end of each clothespin is engaged by the kerf-engaging means of one of said members, and a blade-like clothespin support means disposed along the path of rotation of each of said members and positioned to intercept clothespins engaged by the Keri-engaging means of each of said members.

9. An apparatus for sorting clothespins of the type having a kerf end and a head end opposite the kerf end into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of members rotating in a common plane, each of said members having kerf-engaging means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the 'kerf-engaging means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the kerf-engaging means of the other member by a distance less than "the distance between the kerf and head ends of the clothespins being sorted, means for moving clothespins between said members with the kerf ends of the clothespins randomly directed toward the kerf-engaging means of one or the other of said members, whereby the kerf end of a given clothespin is engaged by the kerfengaging means of one of said members, and whereby the head end of the given clothespin is engaged by the kerf-engaging means of the other of said members to assist in moving the kerf end of said clothespin into engagement with the kerf-engaging means of said one mem- .ber.

10. An apparatus for sorting kerf-type clothespins whose corresponding ends are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of circular members mounted for rotation in a common plane, each of said members having wedge means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the wedge means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the wedge means of the other member, and means for moving clothespins in said common plane between said members with the kerf ends of the clothespins randomly directed toward the wedge means of one or the other of said members whereby the kerf end of each clothespin is engaged by the wedge means of one of said members.

11. An apparatus for sorting kerf-type clothespins whose corresponding ends are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of circular members mounted for rotation in a common rotation of the wedge means of the other member, a

conveyor movable in said common plane between the 'wedge means of the two members, and means for supporting clothespins on said conveyor with the kerf ends of said clothespins randomly directed toward the wedge means of one or the other of said members whereby the kerf end of each clothespin is engaged by the wedge means of one of said members.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11, in which said conveyor includes a plurality of upwardly open trough members for supporting clothespins.

13. An apparatus for sorting clothespins whose corresponding ends are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are all pointed in the same direction, comprising a pair of circular members rotating in a common horizontal plane about spaced vertical axes, each of said members having wedge means at its outer circumference, the path of rotation of the wedge means of each member being spaced from the path of rotation of the wedge means of the other member, a conveyor movable in a horizontal plane between the wedge means of the two members, and means for supporting clothespins on said conveyor with the kerf ends of said clothespins randomly directed toward the wedge means of one or the other of said members whereby the kerf end of each clothespin is engaged by the wedge means of one of said members.

14. An apparatus for orienting slotted clothespins so that the slots of all of the clothespins lie in a given plane, comprising a tapered wedge member so dimensioned as to wedgingly engage adjacent an outer end of the slot of a clothespin whose slot is not in the given plane, and means for pushing the clothespin with the slot in wedging engagement with the wedge member "to cause the clothespin to rotate about its longitudinal axis until the slot of the clothespin is in said given plane.

15. An apparatus for orienting slotted clothespins of the type having a slot including a tapered end slot portion so that the slots of all clothespins lie in a given plane, comprising a tapered wedge member so dimensioned as to wedgingly engage an end slot portion of a clothespin whose slot is not in the given plane, and means for pushing the clothespin along its longitudinal axis with its end slot portion in wedging engagement with said wedge member to cause the clothespin to rotate about its longitudinal axis until the slot of the clothespin is in said given plane.

16. An apparatus for orienting slotted clothespins of the type including a tapered end slot portion so that the slots of all of the clothespins lie in a given plane comprising a first and a second member mounted for rotation in the given plane, a tapered wedge member mounted on and extending radially from said first member, said wedge member including a rounded surface adjacent the radially. outer end thereof, means for moving a clothespin between said first and second members with the slot of the clothespin directed toward said wedge member and with the head end of the clothespin directed toward said second member, and means carried by said second member engaging the head end of the clothespin to thereby move the tapered end slot portion of the clothespin along the rounded surface of the clothespin and rotate the clothespin about its longitudinal axis until the slot of the clothespin is in the given plane.

17. A method of sorting articles having slotted ends which are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are pointed in the same direction, which comprises movinga pair of slotengaging members in a common plane in spaced relation to each other, and passing the slotted-end articles between and in the common plane of the moving members with the slotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward one or the other of the slot-engaging members, whereby the slotted end of each article is engaged by one or the other of the slot-engaging members.

18. A method of sorting articles having slotted ends which are randomly disposed in opposite directions into groups in which corresponding ends are pointed in the same direction, which comprises rotating a pair of slotengaging members in a common plane in spaced relation to each other, and passing the slotted end articles between and in the common plane of the rotating members with the slotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward one or the other of the slot-engaging members, whereby the slotted end of each article is engaged by one or the other of the slot-engaging members.

members in a common plane in spaced relation to each other, and passing the slotted end articles between and in the common plane of the rotating wedge members with the slotted ends of the articles randomly directed toward one or the other of the wedge members, whereby the slotted end of each article is engaged by one or the other of the wedge members.

20. The method of orienting slotted clothespins lying with their slots in random planes so that the slots of the clothespins all lie in a common plane comprising the steps of moving the randomly oriented slot of each clothespin into engagement with a wedge member having a tapered surface, and pushing the clothespin along its longitudinal axis to cause the clothespin to rotatably slide along the tapered surface of the wedge member until the slot is in said given plane. r

21. An apparatus for orienting slotted end objects so that the slots of all of the objects lie in a given plane, comprising cam means dimensioned to engage the slotted end of an object whose slot is not in the given plane, and

means for relatively pushing the cam means and the object into engagement with each other to cause the slotted end object to rotate until its sloted end is in said given plane.

22. An apparatus for orienting slotted end objects so that the slots of all of the objects lie in a given plane, comprising a tapered wedge member so dimensioned as to wedgingly engage an object whose slot is not in the given plane adjacent the outer end of the slot of the object, and means for pushing the object and the wedge member into engagement with each other to cause the object to rotate until the slot of the object is in said given plane.

23. An apparatus for orienting slotted end clothespins so that the slots of all of the clothespins lie in a given plane comprising cam means dimensioned to engage the slotted end of a clothespin whose slot is not in the given plane, and means for pushing the slotted end .of the clothespin into engagement with the cam means to cause the clothespin to rotate until its slotted end is in said given plane.

24. An apparatus for orienting slotted clothespins of the type including a tapered end slot portion so that the slots of all of the clothespins lie in a given plane comprising a first and a second member mounted for rotation in the given plane, a cam means mounted on and extending radially from said first member, means for moving a clothespin between said first and second members With the slot of the clothespin directed toward said cam means and with the head end of the clothespin directed toward said second member, and means carried by said second'member engaging the head end of the clothespin to move the tapered end slot portion of the edge including a beveled surface extending along the clothespin along the cam and thereby rotate the clothesupper portion of said wedge member. pin about its longitudinal axis until the slot of the 'clothesi i i h given planm References Cited 1n the file of this patent 25. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, in which said 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS tapered end of said wedge member comprises a leading edge including a beveled surface extending along the 2,743,001 Nordquist Apr. 24, 1956 underneath portion of said wedge member and a trailing 

